Secret deals preventing access to prime ministerial papers

By Ken RubinFeb. 11, 2019

Library and Archives Canada is shelling out public money to collect prime ministerial records, and keep them hidden from the public for decades.

Former prime minister Brian Mulroney is one of several ex-PMs who have struck a deal with Library and Archives Canada to organize and donate records from their time in the office, to be kept secret for years. The Hill Times file photograph

Secret multi-million-dollar deals are being made with former prime ministers (or their executors) to obtain their papers for archival purposes, and to pay for such expenses as office renovations and private researchers.

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